The 10 Smallest States in the World - Wonderslist WondersList by Ahsan Hayat There are 193 states in the world – all recognized by the United Nations and members. Together comprise the ten smallest countries of this world so much that their surface area if put together is still smaller than Mexico City, which covers 1,499 square kilometers of urban area. Here, below are 10 of the world’s smallest states, some of these has no armed forces at all. 1. Vatican City State Sacred football field. The sovereign city center of Rome does not belong to the United Nations, however, is recognized as an independent state internationally. Between 800 and 900 people living on an area that covers 0.44 square kilometers. 572 of them have a Vatican citizenship. This will only be awarded in connection with certain functions in the state. All the others are something like immigrants. In order to supply the tiny area as environmentally friendly as possible with energy, there is a solar power plant the size of a football field for additional alternative energy. The Vatican City covers approximately 50 streets, one’s own train station and a heliport.

There is even a football team that plays for the Vatican. 2. Principality of Monaco Tax haven. Greek settlers founded in the 5th century, the foundation for today’s tax haven on the coast of France. Since February 25, 1489, the state is independent and attracts a lot of people. The principality is overall abounding on the 2.02-square-kilometer area with 17,889 inhabitants per square kilometer footprint. It’s amongst the most scenic places of Europe and way to Formula One Racing . The fact that they are doing very well despite the social density, based on the control system of Monaco, exists no direct tax liability for individuals. Neither the income tax nor an inheritance tax is levied here. No wonder that this Manhattan is booming on the Mediterranean and still always attracts rich from around the world. 3. Republic of Nauru Pleasant Island.

Deiboe, Eamwidamit, Eamwidara, Eamwit, Eamgum, Eano, EMEO, Eoraru, Irutsi, Iruwa, Iwi and Ranibok were the names of the twelve tribes, who lived one day at the coral island in the Pacific Ocean. It reminds of the twelve-pointed star on the national flag of Nauru. Here is 10 tribes that avoided globalized civilization . Today, the 21-square-mile kingdom is divided into 14 districts, in which around 10,175 people live. By the year 2001, it was revealed in such a high standard of living that the island was partly explained as the real paradise. The economy was based at that time on the phosphate mining. Since 2001, when the phosphate reserves were exhausted, the situation and the standard of living extremely changed. Since then, the nation’s finances are moving more to the brink of bankruptcy and the state budget is dependent on Australian grants. 4. Tuvalu Ellice Islands. Dismissed from the British Commonwealth in 1974. At that time the island was called Ellice Islands.

In 1978 it was renamed Tuvalu and recorded as a sovereign state within the Commonwealth of Nations. 25 square kilometers accommodate approximately 10,500 inhabitants. The highest point of the island is five meters above sea level. Most of the inhabitants live on agriculture and fisheries. 5. Republic of San Marino State veteran. San Marino is not only one of the five smallest states in the world, but it is also the oldest republic. In the year 301 to Marinus, a Christian stonemason from Croatia, have fled to Mount Titano. Today, about 32,500 people possess the citizenship of 60.57 square meter state in the middle of Italy. Around 12,800 of them are living abroad. 6. Principality of Liechtenstein Hard-fought. The 160.47 square meter territory got its political independence in 1806. Until then, it was incessantly occupied repeatedly by different forces; Germans and French namely. The Principality is the only state that lies entirely in the Alps.

The highest point is Mount Liechtenstein Front Grauspitz with a height of 2,599 meters, the deepest the Ruggeller Riet at 430 meters above sea level. Eleven communities exist in Liechtenstein. Approximately 36 942 people live there, around 12,000 of them are foreigners. 7. Republic of the Marshall Islands Island Puzzle. Two meter high towers, the highest point of the Republic of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean. The land area of the islands comprises 181.3 square kilometers. They are divided into two almost parallel island or atoll chains, focusing on an area of almost two million square kilometers that extends in the ocean. Existing since 1986 Republic became known for its 54,600 residents by the atomic bomb tests in the 50s. They took place just 160 kilometers from Bikini Atoll. One amongst the most romantic places worldwide . 8. Cook Islands Special. In international law, the Cook Islands are a special feature. Although the 240-square-kilometer territory in the South Pacific is considered as an independent country.

However, it has the status “in free association with New Zealand “. Nearly 18,600 residents but have no own nationality, they are officially New Zealanders. State is divided in eleven island councils. The largest island covers 65 square kilometers and is inhabited by almost 15,000 inhabitants. The smallest is the island Palmerston live on about 50 people on an area of 2.1 square kilometers. These Islands are considered one of the best honeymoon locations . 9. Niue Lonely Paradise. Similar to the Cook Islands, the 261.4 square kilometers in size Niue island is considered as an independent state. It also does not have its own citizenship and is associated with New Zealand. With a population density of 5.2 people per square kilometer, it is one of the loneliest countries in the world .The approximately 1,300 inhabitants are spread across 13 villages and several small settlements. Niue has an airport, but does not have a port. Goods arriving by sea are transshipped by barge. There are only 900 internet users on Niue and nearly 400,000 nu country domains. 10.

Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis A double-edged destination. The two islands of St. Kitts and Nevis were discovered in the Caribbean by Christopher Columbus in 1493, but got settled in the early 17th century. 269 square miles of territory was incorporated as an independent state to the British Empire. Today 50, 314 inhabitants live on the two islands. It was revealed in 2008 that St. Kitts had one of the highest murder rates per capita . Nevertheless, the two islands are popular tourist destinations especially for tourists from the United States. 15 Smallest Countries in the World Worth Visiting 15 Smallest Countries in the World Worth Visiting June 20, 2013 Today we have prepared a list of the 15 smallest countries in the world which are worth visiting. Enjoy!!! Vatican City Vatican City is the smallest recognized country in the world. It has an area of approximately 44 hectares (110 acres) and a population of just over 800. This makes Vatican City the world’s smallest state by area and population.

Vatican City was established as an independent state in 1929. The Pope is the Head of State and Government of the Vatican City State. Vatican City is home to some of the most visited places in the world such as: St. Peter’s Basilica (the most visited Basilica in the World), The Sistine Chapel with its frescoes, The Vatican Library and the collections of the Vatican Museums. Monaco Monaco or officially the Principality of Monaco, is a sovereign city-state, located on the French Riviera in Western Europe. Monaco is a principality governed under a form of constitutional monarchy, with Prince Albert II as head of state. Monaco is the second smallest independent state in the world and is almost entirely urban. The most popular district of Monaco is Monte Carlo. Monaco is the world’s most densely populated independent country. Nauru Nauru or the Republic of Nauru is an island country in Micronesia in the South Pacific. Nauru is the world’s smallest republic, covering just 21 square kilometers with around 9,000 residents. This island is inhabited with 12 tribes, which is symbolically represented by the 12 stars of the national flag.

Nauru maybe is isolated but has its own airline, tropical weather and an interesting history. Due to its small size, Nauru has no capital city. Tuvalu Tuvalu is a Polynesian island located in the Pacific Ocean, midway between Hawaii and Australia. One of the smallest and most remote nations in the world, this unspoiled corner of the Pacific offers a peaceful, and non-commercialized environment that is ideal for rest and relaxation. Tuvalu is formerly known as the Ellice Islands. The Tuvalu archipelago consist of six true atolls and three reef islands. source San Marino San Marino or the Republic of San Marino is a micro state surrounded by Italy, situated on the Italian Peninsula on the north-eastern side of the Apennines Mountain. San Marino is the oldest state in Europe founded on 3 September 301, by stonecutter Marinus of Arba. San Marino is a predominantly Catholic state with a population of approximately 33,000. Lichtenstein Liechtenstein or the Principality of Liechtenstein is a alpine country in Central Europe bordered by Switzerland to the west and south and by Austria to the east and north.

It is the last remnant of the Holy Roman Empire and is an independent state with very close ties to Switzerland. It enjoys a very high standard of living and is home to some incredibly beautiful mountain scenery making it a winter sport destination. The principality’s capital is Vaduz. Marshall Islands The Marshall Islands or the Republic of the Marshall Islands, is an island country located in the northern Pacific Ocean about midway between Hawaii and Australia. The Marshall Islands include the Ratak (sunrise chain) and Ralik (sunset chain), two parallel chains of 29 coral atolls, thousands of tiny islets, and hundreds of very small low-lying islands, all scattered over a wide area of the Pacific Ocean. source St. Kitts and Nevis The Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, located in the Leeward Islands, is a federal two-island state in the West Indies. It is the smallest sovereign state in the Americas by area and population. At the center of St. Kitts is the spectacular peak of Mount Liamuiga, a dormant volcano covered by dense tropical forest. Intoxicating natural beauty, sunny skies, warm waters, and white sandy beaches combine to make St.

Kitts one of the most seductive spots in the Caribbean. Christopher Columbus first spotted St. Kitts in 1493. St. Kitts and Nevis occupy an area of ​​216 km ². The Maldives The Maldives or Maldives Islands is an island nation in the Indian Ocean. The Maldives are an archipelago of 1192 coral islands grouped into 26 coral atolls. The Maldives is the smallest Asian Country and the capital and largest city is Male. The Maldives is a beautiful island, accessible for all types of budgets. Here u can find a numerous hotels, luxury villas and budget accommodation. The Maldives are known the world over for the stunning beaches and azure waters that typify the tropical idyll. Malta Malta is an island country in the Mediterranean Sea, south of the island of Sicily, Italy. Maltese archipelago consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino. The largest island is Malta. Malta covers just over 316 km2, making it one of the world’s smallest and most densely populated countries. The capital of Malta is Valletta.

Malta boasts of picturesque beaches ideal for all types of swimmer, as well as sunbathers. Golden sand, red sand, rocks, inlets, blue lagoons and even inland seas are some of the beaches from which the travelling tourist can choose. Grenada Grenada is an island country consisting of the island of Grenada and six smaller islands at the southern end of the Grenadines in the southeastern Caribbean Sea. Grenada is a rolling, mountainous island, covered with fragrant spice trees and rare tropical flowers. Bordered by stunning beaches, and dotted with picturesque towns, this verdant island has long been a major source of nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and cocoa. The capital, St. George’s, is widely held to be the loveliest city in the Caribbean. St. Vincent and the Grenadines Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an island country in the southern portion of the Windward Islands which lie at the southern end of the eastern border of the Caribbean Sea. The islands of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines include the main island of Saint Vincent and the northern two-thirds of the Grenadines. The large island Saint Vincent was originally called Hairouna by the native Caribs.

The big island of St. Vincent has a rugged mountainous terrain, lush forests and many uncluttered beaches. The Grenadines include Bequia, Canouan, Mustique and Union, and a group of smaller (many unpopulated) islands. The capital of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the main port is Kingstown which is one of the most picturesque in the Caribbean. source Barbados Barbados is an island country in the Lesser Antilles. The island is portrayed as the Little Britain of the Caribbean because of its long association as a British colony. The largest city and the country’s capital is Bridgetown. Barbados is one of the Caribbean’s leading tourist destinations and is one of the most developed islands in the region. Barbados is a sophisticated tropical island with a rich history, lodgings to suit every taste and pocket, sandy beaches and fine restaurants. Antigua and Barbuda Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-island nation lying between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It consists of two major inhabited islands, Antigua and Barbuda, and a number of smaller islands. Antigua and Barbuda are located in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean.

Palau Palau or the Republic of Palau, is an island country located in the western Pacific Ocean. Palau is a group of islands in the Micronesia area of Oceania and the most populous island is Koror. Palau is among the world’s most spectacular diving and snorkeling destinations and most tourists who come here want to spend their time under water. It features coral reefs, blue holes, wartime wrecks, hidden caves and tunnels, more than 60 vertical drop-offs to play with, and an astonishing spectrum of coral, fish, and rare sea creatures. There are also some outright miracles of evolution: giant clams that weigh a quarter of a ton, for example, and a lake teeming with 21 million softly pulsating, stingless jellyfish. About the Commonwealth About the Commonwealth includes membership from all continents and oceans - both "North" and "South" one-quarter of world's nations and people embracing most of the world's races, religions, and political ideologies rich and poor, large and small similar education systems English as a common language almost 2/3 small states Commonwealth Day (second Monday of March) Her Majesty The Queen is the Head of the Commonwealth What is the Commonwealth?

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of more than 50 independent sovereign states, which provide support to each other, and work together toward international goals. The Commonwealth is described as a "family" of nations, originally linked together in the British Empire, and now building on their common heritage in language, culture and education, which enables them to work together in an atmosphere of greater trust and understanding than generally prevails among nations. Bringing together some 1.7 billion people of many faiths, races, languages, traditions and levels of economic development, the Commonwealth represents almost one-third of the world's population. The modern Commonwealth emerged in 1949 when it was agreed that India could remain a member on becoming a republic (prior to that, members shared a common allegiance to the British Crown).* Its growth accelerated in the 1950s and 1960s with the independence of many new member countries in Africa, the Americas, Asia, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and the Pacific.

[*Today, 32 Commonwealth countries are republics, 16 have constitutional monarchies with HM Queen Elizabeth II as their Head of State, and five have national monarchies of their own.] All nations of the Commonwealth accept HM Queen Elizabeth II as the symbol of their free association and thus Head of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Secretary-General, appointed by member Governments, is His Excellency, the Rt. Hon. Donald C. McKinnon. He assumed office in April 2000 following a political career in New Zealand where Mr. McKinnon was the longest serving Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The association has member countries all over the globe, rich and poor, large and small. It includes the world's largest territory (Canada) and second largest in terms of population (India), and many of the smallest and most remote, including Nauru, the world's smallest republic. It includes the world's driest and most sparsely populated country (Namibia) and also Guyana with some of the world's best conserved tropical forests. Several of its members are small and isolated island states, others have the opposite disadvantage of being landlocked.

It includes the world's first industrialised country (Britain) and a pioneering "Asian Tiger" (Singapore), and some of the most rapidly industrialising countries (Malaysia and Mauritius). Also among the Commonwealth members are some of the world's poorest countries in terms of GNP (Mozambique, Tanzania), and some of the most disadvantaged - notably Bangladesh with its vulnerability to flooding. The Commonwealth: promotes partnership and co-operation among its members promotes understanding and tolerance among its citizens reduces prejudice, ignorance, disease and poverty promotes democracy and good governance, sustainable economic and social development, respect for human rights and the rule of law, gender equality and protection of the environment. The strength of the Commonwealth is in continuing behind-the-scenes activities of mutual co-operation, consulting and co-ordination. In addition to the gathering of all Commonwealth leaders every two years, there are regular governmental meetings of Commonwealth Ministers if Finance, Education, Agriculture etc.

some of the examples of mutual co-operation include: the establishment of regional investment funds assistance in helping many countries set up stock exchanges professional help in macro-economic policy, taxation and information and statistics management the creation and distribution of CS-DRMS, now one of the world's leading computerised systems for debt management, used by 40 Commonwealth and seven non-Commonwealth governments or central banks exchanges of highly skilled professionals and technicians the establishment of the Commonwealth of Learning At a non-governmental level there are over 120 Commonwealth associations providing professional and technical consultation, co-operation and co-ordination of programmes and services. Top of Page Society Population: 10,000 (mid-1992 est.) There is a fluctuating population of overseas workers. Birth rate 19.8 per 1,000 (1987�90/91). Life expectancy 68 years in 1993. The Nauruan people are mainly of mixed Polynesian, Micronesian and Melanesian origin, but are most closely related to the Polynesians. More than half the population are Nauruan; the rest are other Pacific Islanders, with smaller numbers of Chinese and Europeans.

Religion: Christian, mostly Nauruan Protestant Church. Language: Nauruan and English are spoken, but only English is written. Education: Free and compulsory, age 5�16. There are six infant schools, two primary schools, a secondary school and a technical school; also a mission school. Scholarships are available for higher education overseas. Health: There is a high incidence of diabetes, cancer and hypertension, partly explained by the switch to a westernised diet. Alcoholism is a serious problem. There is no malaria. Medical and dental treatment is free for all Nauruans and for Government employees and their families. Number of people per physician is low, at 700 (mre). Employment: The Nauru Phosphate Corporation employs Nauruans and about 3,000 overseas workers (mainly Chinese, Filipinos, I-Kiribati and Tuvaluans). Other Nauruans are employed in public administration, education and transport. Top of Page Communications Media: The fortnightly Bulletin is the main newspaper. Radio Nauru began broadcasting in 1968, supplemented by a satellite telecommunications centre in 1975.

A television service was started in 1991. Post: Nauru is a member of the Universal Postal Union and issues its own stamps. Mails are carried by all aircraft and most ships. Telecoms: IDD (code 674) is available. There is a modern internal and international telephone service. Telex and telegram facilities at Nauru Government Communications Office. Top of Page Transport Road: A sealed road 19km (12 miles) long circles the island. Several miles of road run inland to Buada District and the phosphate areas. A regular local bus service operates around the island. Hire or self-drive cars available. A 5km (3-mile) railway serves the phosphate workings and carries the phosphate to the coast. Sea: The Nauru Pacific Line, owned by the Nauru Local Government Council, operates commercial cargo services. The Nauru Phosphate Corporation also charters vessels. Nauru is a partner in the Pacific Forum Line. Air: Nauru�s national airline is Air Nauru. Top of Page Legal system The judiciary consists of a District Court, a Central Court and a Court of Appeal. The Republic also has its own Chief Justice.

Macro-economics and finance Unit of currency: Australian dollar (A$), valued at A$1.32 to US$1 (3 November 1995). Overview: Phosphate revenues appear to give Nauru a high per capita income, although exact figures are not available. However, the cost of living is high, approximating to that in Australia. The country is heavily dependent on imports for basic necessities: practically all foodstuffs, consumer and capital goods are imported, as is much of the water. GDP: �100.74m (1991). Investment: Past surpluses from the phosphate industry have been invested abroad, to provide income when the phosphate runs out. A 1994 audit of the Nauru Phosphate Royalties Trust found that around US$8.5m had been lost through bad investment and corruption. Aid: Net total ODA (official development assistance) received, US$4.5m (1990�2 average), including US$4.3m average from other DAC countries. Banking: The Bank of Nauru is owned by the Government.

Set up in 1976, it took over the Nauru operations of the Bank of New South Wales. Currency restrictions: None. Regional affiliations: Nauru is a member of the South Pacific Commission , the South Pacific Forum , the Economic and Social Council for Asia, the Asian Development Bank. Top of Page Physical economy Phosphate mining: The economy is based on phosphate mining, export of phosphate providing the island�s only income, apart from overseas investment. About 2m tons of high grade phosphate are mined every year. Phosphate deposits will probably be exhausted by the end of this century. Agriculture: Fruit is grown by individuals on a very small scale, for home consumption. Fishing: The Government hopes to develop a local fishing industry. The Nauru Fishing Corporation was formed in 1979. Tourism: There is virtually no tourism at present. Energy: The generators of the Nauru Phosphate Corporation supply full electricity. Top of Page Traveller information Public holidays: Nauru�s most interesting public holiday is Angam Day (26 October).

The word Angam means homecoming and this day commemorates the various times in history when the size of the Nauruan population has returned to 1,500, which is thought to be the minimum number necessary for survival. Other public holidays are New Year�s Day (1 January), Independence Day (31 January), Easter (5-8 April), Constitution Day (17 May), Christmas Day and Boxing Day (25 and 26 December). Time: GMT plus 12hr. Electricity: 110/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Driving: Vehicles keep to the left. A national driving licence is acceptable. There is an island speed limit of 30mph. Departure tax: A$10. Business and social conventions: The atmosphere is generally informal and friendly. Diplomacy and tact are preferable to confrontation. Shirt and smart trousers or skirt are acceptable business wear, except on very special occasions. Top of Page History First inhabited by seafaring Polynesian and Melanesian explorers, Nauru had little contact with Europeans until whaling ships and other traders began to visit in the 1830s.

Grouped in clans or tribes, the Nauruans traced their descent on the female side. They believed in a female deity, Eijebong, and a spirit land, also an island, called Buitani. The introduction of firearms and alcohol destroyed the peaceful co-existence of the 12 tribes living on the island and led to a ten-year internal war, which reduced the population from 1,400 (1843) to around 900 (1888). The island was allocated to Germany under the 1886 Anglo-German Convention. Phosphate was discovered a decade later and the Pacific Phosphate Company started to exploit the reserves in 1906, by agreement with Germany. The island was captured by Australian forces in 1914 and in 1920 the League of Nations gave Britain, Australia and New Zealand a Trustee Mandate over the territory. The three Governments established the British Phosphate Commissioners, who took over the rights to phosphate mining. Nauru was damaged by German naval gunfire and later by Allied bombing in the 1939�45 war.

Following Japanese occupation, 1,200 Nauruans were deported to work as labourers in the Caroline Islands, where 463 died. The survivors were returned to Nauru in January 1946. After the war, the island became a UN Trust Territory, in line with the previous League of Nations mandate, and it remained one until independence in 1968. A plan by the partner Governments to resettle the Nauruans on Curtis Island, off the north coast of Queensland, Australia, was abandoned in 1964 when the islanders decided to stay put. In 1967, the Nauruans contracted to purchase the assets of the British Phosphate Commissioners and in June 1970 control passed to the Nauru Phosphate Corporation. Independence Nauru became independent as a Republic in 1968, and joined the Commonwealth as a Special Member. Special Members take part in all Commonwealth activities except Heads of Government Meetings; they are not assessed, but make a voluntary contribution towards the running of the Secretariat. They are eligible for all forms of technical assistance.

Sir Hammer DeRoburt, independent Nauru�s first Head of State, was unseated by Parliament in 1976; but, re-elected two years later, he went on to win further elections in 1980, 1983, 1986 and 1987. In August 1989 he lost a vote of confidence. His successor, Kenas Aroi, suffered a severe stroke that November, so was not able to stand for re-election. Bernard Dowiyogo, an ally of Aroi, was elected President. Dowiyogo was re-elected in November 1992 and again in September 1993, after resigning in response to an unfavourable vote in Parliament. In 1993, following a US$72m claim filed by Nauru at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Australia agreed out-of-court to pay compensation for the ecological damage caused by phosphate mining. Britain and New Zealand have pledged contributions of US$8m each. At the 1994 Small Island States Conference on Sustainable Development, the Nauru Government announced plans to rehabilitate the island.

Top of Page Constitutional structure The Consitution provides for a unicameral Parliament, whose 18 members are elected by universal adult suffrage every three years, from eight constituencies. The President is elected by Parliament and is both Head of State and Head of the Executive. The Cabinet consists of the President and four or five members of the legislature, chosen by the President. Voting is compulsory for all Nauruans over the age of 20.The Nauru Local Government Council, besides fulfilling the traditional functions of local government, also manages the Nauru Corporation, the Nauru Pacific Line and other bodies. It is responsible for overseas investments. Last elections: September 1993 Head of State: The President, HE Mr Bernard Dowiyogo Head of Government: The President 17 Small Countries of Less Than 200 Square Miles Updated August 31, 2016. Dont't miss this Photo Gallery of the world's smallest countries. This is a comprehensive listing of the world's seventeen independent smallest countries, from smallest to largest. They each contain less than 200 square miles in area.

If we combined the land area of these 17 countries, we would have a country just a bit larger than the state Rhode Island . Even tiny Singapore is too big for this list (it's 246 square miles)! ​1. Vatican City Area: 0.2 square miles Description: The world's smallest state, the Vatican has a population of 770, none of whom are permanent residents. The tiny country which surrounds St. Peter's Basilica is the spiritual center for the world's Roman Catholics (over 1 billion strong). Also known as the Holy See , Vatican City is surrounded by Rome, Italy. 2. Monaco Area: 0.7 square miles Description: The tiny state of Monaco lies along the French Riviera on the French Mediterranean coast near Nice. An impressive 32,000 people live in this state known for its Monte Carlo casinos and Princess Grace. It has been independent off-and-on since the 13th century. continue reading below our video 4 Tips for Improving Test Performance 3. Nauru Area: 8.5 square miles Description: The 13,000 residents of the Pacific island Nauru rely on diminishing phosphate deposits.

The state became independent in 1968 and was formerly known as Pleasant Island. 4. Tuvalu Area: 9 square miles Description: Tuvalu is composed of 9 coral atolls along a 360 mile chain in Polynesia. They gained independence in 1978. The former Ellice Islands are home to 12,000. 5. San Marino Area: 24 square miles Description: Located on Mt. Titano in north central Italy, San Marino has 29,000 residents. The country claims to be the oldest state in Europe, having been founded in the fourth century. 6. Liechtenstein Area: 62 square miles Description: This microstate of 34,000 is located on the Rhine River between Switzerland and Austria in the Alps. 7. Marshall Islands Area: 70 square miles Description: The atolls (including the world's largest, Kwajalein), reefs, and 34 islands (population 58,000) gained independence in 1986; they were formerly part of the Trust Territory of Pacific Islands (and administered by the United States). 8.

Saint Kitts and Nevis Area: 104 square miles Description: This Caribbean country of 39,000 gained independence in 1983. Nevis is the smaller island of the two and is guaranteed the right to secede. 9​. Seychelles Area: 107 square miles Description: The 81,000 residents of this Indian Ocean island group have been independent of the United Kingdom since 1976. 10. Maldives Area: 115 square miles Description: Only 200 of the 2000 Indian Ocean islands which make up this country are occupied by 340,000 residents. The islands gained independence from the U.K. in 1965. 11. Malta Area: 122 square miles Description: This island is just south of the Italian island of Sicily. It became independent from the United Kingdom in 1964 and the British military were completely gone by 1979. The population is 400,000. 12.

Grenada Area: 133 square miles Description: This Caribbean country (population 90,000) became independent of the U.K. in 1974. It's located quite close to Venezuela. 14. Barbados Area: 166 square miles Description: About 280,000 people live on this Caribbean island, the farthest east of the Lesser Antilles. Barbados obtained independence from the U.K. in 1966. 15. Antigua and Barbuda Area: 171 square miles Description: This Caribbean nation of 69,000 has been independent from the United Kingdom since 1981. The three islands which compose this country rely on tourism (as do many of the Caribbean countries and territories). 16. Andorra Area: 180 square miles Description: The independent Principality of Andorra is co-governed by the President of France and the Spain's Bishop of Urgel. With just over 70,000 people, this mountainous tourist destination tucked in the Pyrenees between France and Spain has been independent since 1278. 17.

Palau Area: 191 square miles Description: Palau (also known as Belau) was a Trust Territory of Pacific Islands. It was formerly known as the Carolines and is composed of more than 200 islands in the Pacific; the population is about 20,000. It became independent in 1994. The 10 Smallest Countries In The World - WorldAtlas.com World Facts The 10 Smallest Countries In The World A list of the 10 smallest countries by total land area. Some of the coziest nations, islands, and places on the planet. A small island in turquoise waters With over 194 countries in the world, it's easy to think the word "country" equates to a massive land area with large numbers of people. Some nations are so small that cities within other nations are giants compared to them. Mostly found in Europe, the Carribean, and the Pacific, there are many countries in the world with an area of less than 400 square kilometers.

The top 10 smallest countries in the world cover a total area of 1491.4 km² which is smaller than the area of the city of Huston, Texas (1625.2 km²) With their own governments and own culture, these small countries are some of the richest, most remote, and most intriguing places in the world. Let's take a look at the 10 smallest countries in the world today: 10 – Grenada - 344 km² Image via: 4photos.net An island nation in the Caribbean, Grenada is also known as “The Island of Spice." The world's largest producer of nutmeg and mace crops, this nation located northwest of Trinidad and Tobago was colonized by the French from 1649 to 1763, which explains the very strong influence of French tradition and culture in the country. A popular tourist destination, you'll find French-influenced architecture and art all around the island, with cricket as the most popular sport. 9 – Malta - 316 km² Image via: maltaholidays.uk.com Malta is another island country, however, its located in the Mediterranean Sea.

3 major islands make up the Republic of Malta: Gozo, Comino, and the largest, Malta. This small country has a population of over 450,000 inhabitants, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Another popular tourist destination, foreigners from all over the world come to Malta for its sunny weather, attractive beaches, over 7,000 years of intriguing history, and a still vibrant nightlife. 8 – Maldives - 300 km² Image via: maparchitects.dk A popular tourist destination in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is the smallest country in Asia in terms of area and population. There are over 1,192 coral islands in the Maldives, which are spread over 90,000 sq.km, making it one of the world's most dispersed countries. The country was once the colony of many empires, the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British, but became an independent country in 1965. Today, the Maldives has a vibrant tourism economy due to its famous white sand beaches and crystal blue waters.

7 – Saint Kitts and Nevis - 261 km² Image via: roomsuggestion.com The Mother Colony of the West Indies, these 2 islands in the Caribbean were some of the first islands to be occupied by Europeans. Its economy is dependent on tourism, agriculture, and small manufacturing industries. The islands also provide fantastic diving sites due to abundant marine life. A major sugar exporter for centuries, the large plantations are now beautiful estates that have been converted into hotels and resorts. 6 – Liechtenstein - 160 km² Image via: wikipedia.org A German-speaking country, this is the only nation in the world to be completely located in the Alps. Located between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein is the richest country in the world by GDP per capita, with the lowest unemployment rate (1.5%). Getting into the country is a little tricky without an airport. Visitors must go through Switzerland's Zurich Airport to reach this Alpine country that's still ruled by a prince. 5 – San Marino - 61 km² Image via: commons.wikimedia.org Surrounded completely by Italy, San Marino is also known as the Most Serene Republic of San Marino.

Claiming to be the oldest surviving sovereign state in the world, it is also one of the wealthiest in terms of GDP per capita. The 3rd smallest country in Europe, it has a population of only 30,000, boasting of one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world. 4 – Tuvalu - 26 km² Image via: oceanislandtravel.com Formerly known as the Ellice Islands, Tuvalu is located in the Pacific Ocean, north east of Australia. There are about 10,000 inhabitants, with 8km of roads, and only 1 hospital present on the main island. The country was once a British territory but became independent in 1978. A difficult place to get to, tourism is not very significant. In 2010, less than 2,000 visitors came to Tuvalu, with 65% of them coming for business. 3 – Nauru - 21 km² Image via: jouljet.blogspot.ca An island nation located east of Australia, Nauru is the smallest island country in the world.

It was known in the 1980's for a booming phosphate mining but is now a quiet island off the radar of tourists. Formerly known as Pleasant Island, its phosphate resources are now depleted, leading to a 90% national unemployment rate, with the remaining 10% employed by the government. Nauru is also known as the country with the most obese people in the world, with 97% of its men and 93% of women being obese or overweight. Because of this, Nauru is also home to the world's highest level of type 2 diabetes, with 40% of its population suffering from the ailment. 2 – Monaco - 2 km² Image via: burgessyachts.com Located on the French Riviera, Monaco is home to the largest number of millionaires and billionaires per capita in the world. Known for its gambling and luxury goods and services industry, Monaco is a favourite playground of the rich and famous. Bordered by France on 3 sides and one side by the Mediterranean Sea, the residents of Monaco are mostly French-speaking. With a population of over 36,000, Monaco is the world's most densely populated country.

The most popular annual event is the Formula 1 race, with tracks passing through the city streets. 1 – Vatican - 0.44 km² Image via: sentiarometours.com The world's smallest country is the Vatican, also known as the Holy See. This country fits within the Italian capital city of Rome, and is the center of the Catholic Church. It is also home to the biggest church in the world – St. Peter's Basilica, and holds some of the most significant art works of the Renaissance such as The Pieta and the Creation of Adam. Its income comes from the voluntary contributions of over 1 billion members of the Roman Catholic Church around the world. The remainder of its economy comes from the sales of postage stamps, tourist mementos, and admission fees of museums. The 50 Smallest Countries In The World Rank

Question: Which independent Commonwealth state is the smallest republic in the world?
Answer: Nauru